Which Windlass if No Chain?

[Jim Oursler]

We typically anchor in 30 feet of water... about 8 feet of chain, plus rope. So.... I don't thing that we need a big windlass . Can anyone suggest a windlass? My hunch is that windlass's are typically rated for hundreds of feet of chain. Maybe I am wrong.. Boat is 34Ft.. inland lake. Thanksjim

 

[Mickey Goodman]

Windlass Yes or No

I am going through the same quandary as you. I don't know if I want to spend the money it takes to purchase and install a windlass for only a few times a season that I would anchor.I believe the windlass's are rated based upon the projected anchor weight along with the recommended amount of chain and road for the size of the boat.I did find a product listed in the West Marine catalog that was a stainless ring attached to a round fender by a two foot piece of rope. You put the anchor road through the ring, obviously, there is an opening in the ring which you shackle off with the rope that when you drive your boat off the anchor spot at 45 degrees will force the ring and fender down to the anchor and help float the anchor to the surface. The idea seemed intriging so I purchased a ring from West at about $22.00 and made up a system.Will try it in the spring. With a 35 pound anchor and 15 feet of chain if it doesn't work I will be out looking for a windlass also.If anyone else has seen this device I just described and know if it is really works please pass on your thoughts.

 

[Dakota Jim Russell]

Windless Importance = Age * wt of anchor

When our 30 burned, we bought a 340 that had a Simpson/Lawrence Sprint Atlantic 900. We anchor in 30 feet or less when possible, but carry 250 feet plus 20 feet of chain with a Delta anchor. Really has taken the pain out of reanchoring when the hook doesn't grab in the right place. Note that we use the Simpson/Lawrence chain/line spliced rode. Windless handles both smoothly. Note: on the 340, the windless hides in the anchor locker.We still will toss the Fortress out and retrieve it by hand, but the Windless is really making anchoring alot more fun.It will really lengthen the years that I'll be anchoring. Well worth the money on a 34 or larger boat.

 

[Charles Wolfe]

Float and no Windlass

Yes, the float system works. They use it in Alaska all the time! It floats the anchor and the chain to the surface once you go forward and pull the anchor out.ChuckWolfe@mail.com

 

[ted jensen]

alaska

ive used the float system on a 30ft fishing boat i once had. i dont know if it will work on a sailboat. heres how i did it on my power boat, run your anchor line thru a ring attatched to a large float. to raise the anchor put the boat in reverse, the friction from the line and the resistance from the water will cause the anchor to rise from the bottom, eventually raising to the float. then simply pull in the slack line and chain (usually 200ft or more) in. the problem i see with a sailboat (again i havent tried this) would be getting enough reverse speed to cause resistance on the float?if anyone has tryed this or does try let us know how it workedthis would be a great tool if your windlass broke